TRADING standards chiefs are urging shopkeepers not to sell potentially dangerous laser pointers to youngsters.

The pen-sized pointers emit an intense ray of light and are used by lecturers giving presentations, but children are flashing them to dazzle class-mates, passers-by and even motorists. The powerful beam can cause blindness if shone into the eye.

Several schools and colleges in Lancashire have already banned students from taking them on to school grounds.

Lancashire trading standards officers want to stop the sale of more powerful pointers which may not meet legal standards.

Chief officer Jim Potts said: "The lasers are an absolutely ridiculous novelty used by youngsters to cause a nuisance.

"They contain only tiny warnings about temporary damage caused if shone or reflected into eyes, but we don't know about long-term effects. They could also cause serious road accidents.

"We've had complaints from teachers since the start of term. Schools banning them are being very responsible."

Citizen photographer Simon Bolton almost lost control of his car when a young girl zapped him in the face with a laser.

He said: "I was driving through Ribbleton when I felt this strange intense flashing on my eyes. I blinked a few times and lost my concentration for a second."

A Chester bus driver has permanently damaged eyesight after he was dazzled for 15 seconds by a laser beam.

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